Posted March 19 - 2:29 p.m

A rider named Rick wrote to me to unload about the unsanitary nature of trains and buses, but this time around, it wasn't a rant against the CTA's janitorial efforts. Rick wrote:

"It disgusts me to witness pigs riding the El, and spitting sunflower seeds, eating food and throwing wrappers on the floor, writing on doors and walls. It's bad enough that the things smell like urine already. Is it too much to ask that people pick up after themselves? I think that perhaps a good solution would be to have one "pig pen" car on each train so decent people can ride without being subjected to these kinds of disgusting slobs. And the pigs would be able to ride in the company of other disgusting pigs, and the CTA could concentrate their efforts on cleaning the pig pens. A win win."

So what's up, CTA citizens? Is there any way to stop the CTA from being a pig pen? Would you like to see more enforcement of anti-eating ordinances on the system? You know, just in case the agency balks at establishing a formal "pig pen" car.

This is SO true! Last Sunday on my way to church a guy just peed on the train in the doorway in front of God and the rest of the train. I guess the only "clean" way to commute is the Metra. Gotta love it. Clean trains that are roomier, on time and faster than CTA? AND IT'S CHEAPER!!!

Gotta love it!

Oh, and another thing, what's up with the Cheetos? I just don't get it!

"GOING PUBLIC" SAYS: Thanks so much for writing. That story is absolutely disgusting. I would say that goes beyond pigs... I don't know what kind of animal you witnessed in action. As for the Cheetos, I once wrote a column about a rider fined $110 for eating one on a Red Line train. Too bad these other Cheeto chuggers don't get the CTA smackdown.

Greetings,
I just want to say that I appreciated the changes that CTA is making, but I would like to address some concerns as far as:
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ETIQUETTE:
The way I was raised as a youth while riding public transportation was to give my seat to a standing senior. It really bothers me to see men of all ages sitting down, while women are standing. This is ridiculous. It is very sad that we have to be TOLD to give up our seats by an automated message. Also I find it strange that young children (anywhere from ages 2-5 yrs old) are also sitting down while women (getting off work) are left standing!
THESE ARE THE RULES PEOPLE!
1. Men offer their seats to women. If GROWN men start doing so, maybe the youth will follow.
2. Mothers! There are special strollers that collapse to be utilized on public transportation.
This is the process: a. Collapse it and place underneath your seat,
b. Place child on your lap. This way you also get to sit down, and you are setting an example for the children.
Thank you,
Sandra Shaw
Age 49

"GOING PUBLIC" SAYS: Thanks for laying out the rules of the routes and rails, Sandra. We do need a lesson in old-school etiquette. I'm not sure others will agree on the men getting up for women rule, unless said woman is pregnant, but who knows? Let's see what the rest of rider-dom thinks.

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